Genetic diversity and characterization of Wolbachia endosymbiont in canine filariasis
1
Issued Date
2023-10-01
Resource Type
ISSN
0001706X
eISSN
18736254
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85167437358
Journal Title
Acta Tropica
Volume
246
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Acta Tropica Vol.246 (2023)
Suggested Citation
Kamkong P., Jitsamai W., Thongmeesee K., Ratthawongjirakul P., Taweethavonsawat P. Genetic diversity and characterization of Wolbachia endosymbiont in canine filariasis. Acta Tropica Vol.246 (2023). doi:10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107000 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/88359
Title
Genetic diversity and characterization of Wolbachia endosymbiont in canine filariasis
Author's Affiliation
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Canine filariasis is caused by nematodes from the family Onchocercidae, which is transmitted by arthropod vectors. The disease is commonly found in Southeast Asia and exists worldwide. Some filarial nematodes are associated with intracellular bacteria of the genus Wolbachia, which plays an important role in embryogenesis, molting, and the long-term survival of adult worms. This study aims to characterize Wolbachia sp. and determine the association between Wolbachia and canine filarial nematode species in Thailand. A total of 46 dog blood samples that were naturally infected with filarial nematodes were obtained to identify filarial nematode species by Giemsa stained under a light microscope and confirmed using the molecular technique. In order to characterize Wolbachia sp., the nested PCR assay targeting the 16S rRNA gene showed that all samples of Dirofilaria immitis and fifteen samples of Candidatus Dirofilaria hongkongensis were grouped into Wolbachia supergroup C. In addition, all samples of Brugia spp. and five samples of Candidatus Dirofilaria hongkongensis were classified into Wolbachia supergroup D. The genetic diversity analysis conducted using the 16S rRNA gene revealed a similar result when analyzed through phylogenetic tree analysis. This is the first genetic diversity study of Wolbachia of Candidatus Dirofilaria hongkongensis in infected dogs in Thailand.